The King Has Returned . . . [Arwen]

[Guinevère]

"I can't wait to get rid of it," Arthur admitted and Guinevère held back the words she wanted to tell him. She liked it, but she wanted him to be comfortable. "I will ask someone to bring something up. Perhaps Alex or Kolby whom we trust." That way he would not have to wear it long and could be comfortable, without anyone wondering why the queen required a blade for such reasons.

"May I speak to you for a moment?" His next words made her brows bow as he lead her across the chambers and even drew the curtain in order to give them a moment alone. "Is something wrong?" She asked, hoping that he simply just wanted some more time with her, yet with everything that had happened she still feared.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur gave her a reassuring smile when she asked if something was wrong. "No," he said softly. There were many things wrong, but not in the way she was asking. He pulled out a chair for her to sit on as he did the same for himself and shifted closer to her so that they were across each other without the table in between. He took a few moments to just gaze at her, and appreciate the fact that he was here, able to be with his wife and family again. "I spoke to Kolby last night," he began to say. He had never explained why Kolby had wished to speak to him and therefore, wanted to explain now. "He showed me the room downstairs, with the round table." A room that was apparently one where everything could be safe in . . . where their children could be safe in when danger surrounded them.

He loved the room but at the same time, didn't want it to be necessary for he wished to make the kingdom a safe place for his family once more. "I thought that perhaps, we could have a proper table built. A larger one, for the council chamber," he suggested, wondering what she thought of the idea. If the table was brought here, then it was clear they were supportive of the concept. Arthur wanted to make more of a statement of it however for he wanted all to know that Camelot's ideals and values were that of equality and strength: honor and trust. They would re-instill those values in Camelot, not that he believed that they were lost. With Guinevère as queen, they would never be lost. He merely just wanted to re-state them with a powerful message.

.

[Guinevère]

"I spoke to Kolby last night," Arthur sat them down and spoke of speaking with Kolby. She still felt worried about what he might be about to say. With everything changing she felt very on edge. "I thought that perhaps, we could have a proper table built. A larger one, for the council chamber," And for apparently no reason. She smiled softly, feeling everything ease down and relax. He wanted to speak of more changes for the good, nothing of the bad.

After a moment she found she was able to smile brighter and with more ease. "I think that sounds wonderful," She admitted to him. Liking that he still had his same ideals and wanted to move forward for the better. Change things to help the kingdom grow. "It would make a wonderful statement if your first council meeting with you being back was done around such a table." One with no head and no man above another. "Did you wish me to have it made?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was glad that she seemed in agreement of them making a bigger table. Even more so that it would be good for that to be where their first meeting with council took place: in a place that symbolized equality. She asked if he wanted her to have it made and Arthur kept a soft smile on his lips. Hoping it was something they could do together when he returned. "I actually have something else I would ask you to do." Something he had told Kolby to do but wanted Guinevère to as well, for there was no one he trusted more than her. "I asked Kolby to compile a list of those he believes to be traitors, spies, or potentially against us. If you could also work on this list with him. Anyone you have the slightest suspicion of, it would be best to rid the castle of them. I will help doing so . . . when I return."

The latter part was a bit more difficult to talk of, but he knew he had to. He didn't want to leave her or the children, but he also knew that he was hiding his return for a reason. For their enemies would have the advantage of spies were to discover and relay the message of the king's return. "Tonight I will go to our allies whom we know we can trust." Gawant, Caerleon, Gwent . . . well, specifically Alistair. "We need resources and foreign aid however it would be best to do this as subtly as possible." He did not want to make a huge spectacle about it by taking an army with him, or even an extra man. Besides, all those that he would have close to him, he'd much rather remain here to protect his family . . . as they had been doing thus far.

[Guinevère]

He went on to ask her to help with a list of trusted and untrusted persons. He wanted to know whom to trust and whom to purge from the castle. ". . . when I return." Return as king, she assumed, for she could not bare him from her side so soon. She had lived five years with her husband gone and dead. Five years of nights, and mornings alone. Five years of missing him. For Arthur it was but moments, but for Guinevère it was years. Years and years.

"Tonight I will go to our allies--" In the castle? Yet he spoke more and she realized he was speaking of leaving! LEAVING! She just had him back! Surely a trusted messenger could ride and build aid, why did he need to go personally? She knew somewhere in her mind that she was being unfair and not thinking with a clear mind but he had been dead for five years, returned a night and spoke of leaving again!

The last time he had gone and promised to return she was give his sword and an apologetic speech telling her how her husband had been brave and strong and he would be remembered for years upon years to come! Fear was evident on her face but so was the determination of keeping him alive and home where he belonged! "No," She whispered, rising to stand before him and moving away slightly. "Send a messenger. Send Kolby, or Percival or even someone else! Your place is here."

[Arthur Pendragon]

He looked at her as she stood up and did the same, rising to his feet. Despite her taking a step back he took a step toward her, taking her hand in his own. "This is not something that can simply be entrusted to another," he explained in a calm voice, not wanting to make her upset. At the same time . . . he had to do something to keep the kingdom from being taken over by their enemies. It was not something that would or could be done over night. "They must see that the king has returned." That Arthur was back, and that Camelot was in need of aid. He was not like his father, having too much pride to ask for help. Because his family was in danger; the people were in danger. And he refused to let Morgana, or Bayard, or anyone else sit upon the throne.

"Plus, I want those men to remain here to protect you." His dismissal of them going had nothing to do with the fact that he didn't trust them. It was because he did trust them that he was asking them to stay. After all, Kolby had already tried to accompany him and Arthur had managed to convince the knight otherwise. "Don't worry. I will return well before Anna's birthday," Arthur said with a bit of a smile, focusing on the positive and hoping to put Guinevère's mind at ease upon the subject of their daughter's upcoming birthday celebration. One that he planned to make grand. Because by then . . . he would no longer be hiding, not even from their enemies.

[Guinevère]

Even if her mind had cleared and she could think with a stronger mind, she would NOT have let him ride off alone! She was no fool! He had an army with him the last time and he had fallen! Arthur take taken her hand and moved closer to her but she wanted to move closer to him and SHAKE him! Do not worry he asked of her and she shook her head, for that was the most foolish request he had made. "I will return well before Anna's birthday," Another promise he could be breaking.

"You promised to return last time and I spent five years morning you." She reminded him, "You've been returned a day and you speak of leaving again?!" Gaius had given his life to bring him back and she wanted him to stay! To be safe and sound and WITH HER and the children! "Invite them here! Bring the for Anna's birthday or another event and let them see you THEN! You need not leave again!" She wanted him here! ALIVE!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur hated seeing her so upset, knowing that his actions were causing it. He felt even worse when she reminded him that he had promised to return last time . . . and had instead fallen. "This is different," he said in a soft voice, knowing that nothing could ease the memory of that. For had he lost Guinevère . . . no. His mind nor heart could even imagine such a thing. "I am not riding to battle nor will I be hunted." Because no one knew he was back. He would not be wearing the Pendragon colors, but rather a cape to conceal himself. He would look like nothing more than a wandering traveler.

"I do not want to leave you and the children," he added, wanting her to understand that if there was another way . . . then he would have done it. "But I also can not keep allowing you all to live in danger." He refused. He was here, returned from the dead and he would make the most of it. "When they come for Anna's birthday, they need to bring the aid that I will be requesting from them. And they will need time to prepare it all. Which is why I must go as soon as possible." Tonight. And leaving his family for the second time, would be the hardest thing he ever had to do. Apart from apparently years ago when he had left them the first time.

[Guinevère]

"This is different," "I fail to see how!" She told him as he explained what he needed to do and why it needed to be done. "You ride off alone and unprotected when last time you rode off with hundreds of highly trained men." They had not brought him back, and not he sought to go alone!? She feared this would be another moment where she lost him! The fear held her tighter then her clear thinking.

"No," She shook her head, "Do not go!" Keeping her voice was to not wake the children was hard in these moments, "I will not allow you too!" She whispered a bit desperately, seeking to hold him here longer with all of the power he had granted her with when he wed her then left her here alone! "Everyone thinks you are an imposter." She reminded him, and moved to use her hands to cup his cheeks. "I will make them keep you here, if it means you stay alive and safe!"

Tears fell down her cheeks as she told him that she would not allow him to leave for she was SO afraid . . . so very, very afraid that he would die again. "I cannot lose you again. Do not ask this of me . . . You've only been in my arms for a day. I cannot let you go."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur felt his heart ache when she practically begged him not to go . . . or, perhaps ordered him not to, disallowing him to leave. He wasn't sure which it was, he only knew that the desperate tone in her voice and the tears in her eyes . . . made him doubt this entire plan. She spoke of how she could have him kept here, knowing she was right. That according to many others, he was still an 'impostor' and that she held the power to keep him here. He only hoped he could convince her otherwise. Although, he was weakening. Hearing her speak of how she could not lose him again. He fought to keep tears from his own eyes at the strong pain in her voice; the reminder of how they had been separated for so long. Instead of saying anything right away, he leaned forward to cover her lips with his own, moved a hand to her cheek. Letting the embrace linger for a few moments, he pulled away, resting his forehead on where it touched hers. "I love you Guinevère," he said in a low but strongly sincere voice, never wanting her to think that his decision was a result of lacking affection.

In fact, it was the opposite. He was going to protect her, and their family in the only way he knew how to in this time of darkness. "And I will make this up to you. To both you and the children," he promised, praying that he would not be made to be a liar twice. For the first time . . . he had also promised to return home. "But for now, you must let me do this. So that we can raise our children in a safe and peaceful environment. And not one filled with threat and danger at every turn." They would raise their children, together. Because he could not think of any alternative. He moved his hand to gently brush away her tears with his thumb. "You, Amaren and Anna all deserve to be safe and free of all the darkness that plagues this kingdom." Thanks to Morgana and his uncle. Thanks to their enemies who took advantage of a mourning widow. He despised every single one of them for what they did, and one day . . . they would all pay the price. But not now. He would not go seeking them out for vengeance. He only wanted to restore the kingdom to what it once was; a happy and safe place for all. "I will be sure that you are." So that they would no longer live in fear.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère stared up at him, even while he kissed her and as he spoke of needing to do this. She knew she could not force him to stay--no matter her threats. She turned and walked around the table, toward the fire and stood there staring into the flames, needing to think and try to draw up that strength that seemed to have broken the moment she realized Arthur was her husband and not some magical imposter.

She had to be strong, and be strong alone. "Go then," She whispered almost brokenly but without bitterness toward him. She knew that when he left she would live in fear until his return--if he returned. She would trust no promise for she was all too aware that it could be broken if the wrong persons knew of his return and plans. How many times of the years had his routes been attacked? Too many! And now he sought to go alone?! "You should take another with you." To better keep him safe. Surely there was one in which he would trust and ask to escort him?

[Arthur Pendragon]

She stepped away from him, toward the fire as she stared at it and told him to go as he wished. He didn't want it to be like this between them, though he knew she was entitled to be so. Still. He didn't want them to be at such odds. "All those I trust, I would prefer remain here with you." Kolby, Elyan, Percival, Leon and Gwaine . . . even Merlin. He'd much rather they remain here and protect her and their children, rather than accompany him. He looked at her, deciding to ignore her need for space, so walked toward her instead. Her back was facing him as she stared into the fire. He stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her, and holding her close as her back was pressed against his chest, and his cheek rested against the side of her head.

"Please don't be angry with me," he said in a soft, pleading voice. He knew it was an unfair request considering the circumstances, but he still said the words. And doubted he could let her go until at least some of her anger was alleviated. "I will return as quickly as I can," he further assured. Lowering his head a bit, he kissed the side of her head, before whispering in her ear. "And then you can fulfill your promise that you made me. Of how the next time I sneak into our bed, you will be sure to greet me home properly," he said with teasing suggestion, trying to help lighten the mood.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère felt her husband's arms hold her, and him kiss the side of her head. He was trying to ease the moment she she wondered how that could even happen in these moments. She wanted him closer and wanted to prove to them both that she was stronger then good byes and that he was here to stay so there was no need to be stronger then good byes. She wanted more then ever to give him a reason to return.

Thinking of the last 'reason' she had given him, she turned her head to look toward where the children rested and thought about how long before they awoken. "I need you to come with me for a moment." She said softly, knowing there was something she had to do before she let him ride out and risk his life for his kingdom and for her and their children.

She turned and walked toward the door, making sure he would follow her, and if needed had his cloak to hide whom he was, before ordering the men to stand guard inside the room so they could see her children with their own eyes. Then she led Arthur toward where she wanted to take him too. They took the steps lower and out of the main areas of the castle, and away from the royal chambers.

[Arthur Pendragon]

When she said that she needed him to go with her, Arthur didn't hesitate. Though he was curious to find out where she was taking them. Grabbing his cloak, he put it on over him and pulled up the hood -- just in case. Hopefully this early in the morning, not too many people would be in the hallways . . . just the guards. He silently followed, wondering if she was taking him to the dungeon to prevent him from leaving . . . or if she was taking him elsewhere to have a few moments of privacy. Either way, he followed her . . . because whatever it was must be important. During the walk, he took in the sight of his home -- in between hiding his head whenever there was someone lurking about. It was such an odd feeling, to know that you were dead. To have returned to a world where everyone -- including your own family -- mourned you.

And to him . . . it felt like nothing. In terms of time. For he just woke up, and had assumed that no more than a few days had gone by. When in actuality . . . it had been five years. Five whole years. Time that he would never get back, yet in what he lost in his past, he was given a future. One where he could be with his family and return to being king -- though right now, one felt more important than the other. "Where are we going?" He finally asked in a low voice, needing to distract his mind from thoughts of how much he had missed in the people he loved lives . . . especially his daughter for he had quite literally missed her entire life thus far.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère heard him ask her were they were going, and she knew that with a few more turns he would know just where she was taking him. "I wish to show you something." She explained, as she made the turns that would revel where they went. She wondered if he would even come down here with her as after her words of baring him from leaving this could be a trap. "Only show you something." Not keep him here.

He would have to trust her not to break her word and she hoped that he would, for she would let him leave but not before she reminded him more then ever that he had reason to stay. As they walked though the entrance of the cells below the castle she paused to give orders "No one is to go down this hall for any reason until we both have returned. Not a single one." Guinevère lead the way down toward the back, were a larger stone room was, and the floor was filled wit hay. Walking into the room slowly she looked around knowing the room had horrid memories.

So much had happened while Arthur was 'away'. She bent down and lifted one of the shackles while staring at it with haunted eyes. "So much happened when you were gone. So much has changed." She whispered not looking at him. Pushing to a stand she placed her wrist inside the cuff but did not close it. "I do not think I would ever be able to tell you everything, for there is simple just so much that has happened."

When Arthur was close enough she reached for his hand and placed it in the cuff, locking. "You will leave me tonight, and I will fear every moment you are gone. Nothing you say will keep that fear from holding my heart tightly." Nothing. "But this morning I will show you something. I will remind you why you need to hurry home." She moved to the other side of him, and bent for the other cuff that would chain him from being able to touch her. "And when we leave this room, with more memories that you will not forget . . . . only then will I let you leave me." She told him as she reached for his wrist and sealed the other cuff.

[Arthur Pendragon]

She said that she wished to show him -- and only him -- something. He grew more intrigued by the idea, wondering what it could be. As they went to the lower levels of the castle, he realized they were going to the dungeons. Was she actually going to claim he was an impostor and lock him up? They went toward the more isolated cell; the one that was far away from all the others. He fought the urge to see Agravaine, though it was not too difficult to avoid him. He knew his time was limited and he'd rather spend every second he could with his wife, rather than a man he'd once proudly called uncle. When they entered the cell, Arthur followed her inside, watching her as she picked up one of the shackles. She went on to explain that so much had happened . . . and his heart filled with fear at what more happened to them. He wanted to ask, but dreaded the answer. And she did not seem like she was going to give them right now. It didn't appear that that was the purpose she had brought him down here. Instead, she surprised him by putting one of the shackles around his wrist, speaking of how he was leaving tonight and how she would fear for him. He didn't want her to, but he also knew that it was unfair to ask . . . for when you loved someone, you couldn't help but worry and fear for them when they were not near.

Because as she would fear for him, he would fear for her and their children when he was away, praying that they would remain safe and sound. But it was now, that he realized why she had brought him down here . . . just as she put the other shackle on his wrist. His eyes remained on her the entire time, watching her every move as she now had him in a position that gave him limited mobility. Very limited indeed. Not wanting to focus on the darkness of the past, he did not comment on her previous words. He only wanted to help ease her mind and build what memories they could in this rather unexpected place. "The last time I left, you concealed my vision," he reminded with a bit of a teasing smile. That night was fresh in his mind for he did not forget one second of it. "And now it is my hands that are bound." He paused, still looking at her. "Has a man ever been so lucky to have such a wife." Such a bold and loving wife, who wished only to please her husband. Words could not describe how much he loved her, and leaving her . . . had been and would always be the most difficult thing in all this world.